Jess, USA

Cancer turned my world upside down when I was diagnosed five years ago with breast cancer.

Cancer is greedy and sneaky. It tried to take everything from me- my energy, my strength, my hair, my skin, my youth, my confidence, my concentration, my trust and my plans. You have to fight, not just to live, but to keep whatever you can of yourself. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, by far, because it was a mental fight as much as it was a physical one.

My story isn’t only sickness and sadness, grief and loss. My story is also about surviving, finding community with other cancer survivors, laughing again and enjoying the life I fought so hard for.

I stand with everyone that has had their world turned upside down by cancer, as patients, survivors, co-survivors or loved ones. I stand for all those we’ve lost. I stand for better healthcare, affordable healthcare, more research and disability rights. Stand with me— we’re stronger together.